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A Journey through the boots of American soldiers who died in Iraq.
"Some people have taken it as an antiwar statement; some people have taken it as a tribute and memorial to our fallen heroes."
The film is a journey through the boots of American soldiers who died in Iraq. The boots were sectioned by state and arranged in rows as if the soldiers were standing at parade rest. The exhibit passed through the United States. When it stopped in Washington State, a viewer who had a son in the military went to see it. She tells her moving experience of the exhibit and her pause to rest in front of one pair of boots.
Recalling the subtle intensity of the Viet Nam memorial in Washington DC, this story of one soldier’s boots in the national exhibit, "Eyes Wide Open", presents the inescapable wartime reality of lives lost and families wounded. Personal, intense and profound, it is a story that bears telling and re-telling. A haunting, original score and the hammerlock of raw emotion create a rare viewing experience. It’s a story you won’t forget.
Doris Kent, mother of Jonathan Santos was featuredon the radio show, "Talking With Heroes" on March 26th.
8 Minutes: available on Indieflix | Read Jonathan's Journal | View a Slideshow of Jonathan's Photos
Screenings
Now Available Any Time | Youtube or Google Video
August 10th at 7 PM. | Veteran's For Peace Conference | Seattle, WA
July 22nd | Eyes Wide Open Exhibit | Portland, OR
June 3rd at 3:30 PM. | Seattle's Truly Independent Film Festival | Central Cinema | Directions Available at Website.
May 21st at 3:00 and 4:00 PM. | Northwest Film Forum | Directions Available at Website.
Admission: Suggested $5 Donation
Special Features: Work in progress fundraiser screening of "The Corporal's Diary" | Doris Kent, mother of "The Corporal" will be present to speak briefly and answer questions.
April 5th at 12:00 PM. | Western Washington University | Fairhaven Auditorium | World Issues Forum
Admission: Free
Contact: (360) 650-2309
Press
"Bellingham City Council Archives"
"Bellingham, WA City Council Passes 'Bring Troops Home' Resolution"
"Documentary Shows The Powerful Images Of Empty Boots"
"Boots' film draws crowd and some tears. Viewers come from wide range of backgrounds"
"Grieving mom hopes film will prompt reflection on Iraq war"
"Soldier leaves a piece of his soul behind"
Endorsements
"…The violence continues and we cannot, we will not, forget the great loss of life. Everyone needs to see this- it cannot be ignored."
-Adri Kolff, Graduate Student
"Every American needs to see this movie for your heart will be filled with compassion beyond comprehension. What a brave young man and a wonderful family."
-Cynthia Pomianek, Owner, Lake Union Hair Design, Seattle
"Powerful reminder that the numbers that get reported are actually people…The music was wonderful."
-Kathie Hopkins and Beth Healy
"Beautiful and moving from the first image to the final goodbye."
-Sara Sutherland, Owner, Sync Fitness
"I cried…for the pain of a mother’s loss, for the unwritten future of a bright young man, for the losses of many nations. Every young person considering service to our country needs to know that their acts of courage will not be forgotten."
-D. Russo, Godmother of a new recruit
"I was in the military and related to this film on multiple levels. It felt very personal to me… very moving… I found myself wanting to see more."
-Vincent A. Dean, Creative Director, Pixelube, Inc.